Cargo Cult - Who is John Frum? He is known to us by many names, this Visitor from Elsewhere, dispenser of endless abundance and wielder of mysterious technologies: John Frum, Quetzalcoatl, Osiris, "Bob." His cargo is splendid, his generosity boundless, his motives beyond our understanding. But across the ages and around the world, the stories all agree: one day he will return, bearing great gifts. Our theme this year asks three related questions; who is John Frum, where is he really from, and where, on spaceship Earth, are we all going?

When Noble and Green were pursuing the Sound Barrier On Land around 1996-97 (see film in earlier post), they were not alone on the Black Rock Desert. Craig Breedlove was also there, with his Spirit Of America. Breedlove had previously gone over 600 mph. The sound barrier is somewhere over 700. Breedlove was clocked at 675 when he lost control and made what became known as the world's fastest U-turn. The car went up on two wheels and changed direction rather drastically, resulting in structural damage. Noble and Green went on to break the sound barrier. Breedlove related his experience when he gave a talk at a meeting of the Motor Sport Press Association. Wonderfully nice chap.

This illustration was made by Stan Mott and appeared as a "center fold" in Road & Track Magazine. I asked R&T if I could buy a nice print, and they referred me to Mott himself. I rank Mott right behind Tex Avery and Walt Disney. Mott was on the team that designed the 1959 Cadillac, he circumnavigated the Earth in a go-kart, and he did all manner of fantastic illustrations and cartoons and writing.

When I contacted him, we wound up corresponding a bit and "talking shop" about magazine writing, and I bought this print. "Slow to 675 MPH for the curve at Bruno's Country Club"!

it's a camping tripsome people bring artsome people bring giftssome people helpsome people are a total pain in the ass leaching asshat sparkleponeyfratboy.

it's fun

everyone is welcome, on the same human level.Why some choose to go, or not, is their choice, and not a function of the event or participants therein.If anything, a choice not to attend, is a mis perception on the part of the individual.

Simon of the Playa wrote:yes, once again, the voice of reason is right.

as one of 4 white kids at a Rick james / Commodores concert in the early eighties, it is indeed, a difficult step to get out of one's comfort zone, and into unknown territory.

it's amazing how racism disappears the moment one gets up close and personal...when you are dealing on a human to human level, it's easier to see that we all bleed.

and racism happens in all races, there is hatred from all sides.

i think that maybe, if there were an "alien" invasion, or an outside external force that would Instantly bind us all together as "Human" that it may not be such a bad thing...

John Frum, he Come.

this^^^ it takes something, a reason to "pull together", "I'll hold your hand, because you're holding my friends hand, who is holding your friends hand, I"ll pull you to safety, and in so doing, save myself, and those I love. And in with that action, realize it not just who's hand you hold, but whos hand they hold, and the commonality of good deeds"

Roberto Dobbisano wrote:it's like cracker barrel on a sunday morning in here...

the only black guy is clocks n mirrors since DVD left...

i know, im being a shit stirrer, but every year, i ask the same question.

is it the event? is it the culture? does camping in the middle of the desert not appeal to certain demographics? i would expect the proportions to be the same as the general population, but it's not.

i blame the lamplighters, and their poor choice in clothing...

what? Never in a million years would I pictured DVD Burner as a Black guy. Yeah sure, mi culpa; but still He more or less fit the stereotype of "lone gunman" proving yet again that preconceived notions are worth dittlilybumps.

now Roberto Dobbisano, pleas tell me your Asian, or at least one of Simons socks so my mind can remain blown for the weekend. And Simon, Why do you not have any Black Socks?

.......................................................................................Oh yeah, this year I was totally twerping out at the fence. ~Lonesombri